Patrons of the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) collected over 7,000 items for homeless Veterans during the holiday season. The donation drive, part of VCS’s 12 Days of Holidays campaign, began on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, encouraging shoppers to purchase essential items and leave them in donation boxes at PatriotStores across the country. Sixteen Canteens received 100 or more donations, with the Clarksburg, W.V., location leading with 1,404 items. Donated items included backpacks, blankets, shoes, socks, cold-weather clothing, personal hygiene products, and non-perishable food. Dr. Matthew Eitutis, acting director of the VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement, praised the campaign’s success in mobilizing support for Veterans through the Veterans Health Administration’s Homeless Program. Additionally, Vietnam-era Veteran Jim Barrante contributed $200 to buy needed items at the Erie VA Canteen, emphasizing the importance of supporting homeless Veterans year-round. Established in 1946, VCS operates nearly 200 locations, providing essential services and merchandise to Veterans and their families, and aims to enhance the overall Veteran experience.